Alaska Chamber Statement on Senate’s Proposed Healthcare Bill

Anchorage, AK – The Alaska State Chamber of Commerce supports repealing and replacing the Affordable Care Act. ACA’s one-size-fits-all federal mandates do not work for Alaska. The existing law reduces competition in Alaska’s health insurance market, threatens the healthcare coverage and the wellness of Alaskans, as well as our state’s economy.

Under Obamacare, premiums for individuals and business owners have soared. Alaskans pay some of the highest insurance costs in the country—more than 100 percent higher than the national average. In the last four years, individual market insurance premiums have gone up more than 200 percent, averaging more than $1,000 for each individual who receives those plans.

The Better Care Reconciliation Act, which was introduced yesterday in the Senate in draft form, is a step forward in a long process to improve our healthcare system. A part of that process includes adequate time to review the bill.

The Alaska Chamber has worked closely with Congressman Don Young, and Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan in sharing our members’ experiences under the ACA. We thank them for the open dialogue and support their efforts in tackling this huge issue. Healthcare legislation is extremely complicated and emotional. We appreciate the Delegation is working on this bill to improve access to health insurance for Alaskans, while also working to curtail costs of healthcare in Alaska. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the Delegation as they evaluate this bill.

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About the Alaska Chamber
The Alaska Chamber, a private, non-profit corporation, operating since 1953, works to promote a positive business environment in Alaska. The Chamber is the voice of small and large business representing hundreds of enterprises, manufactures and local chambers from across Alaska. Our member companies employ over 100,000 hard-working Alaskans. View a list of our current priorities and positions here.